Park Community School in Leigh Park celebrates 'fantastic' GCSE results as pupils tough out 'rubbish' year

Ashley Brown, left, and Shayla Avis, both 16 at Park Community School. Picture Ian Hargreaves (200820-1)

‘IT’S been a rubbish year,’ according to one Park Community School pupil – but there were many happy faces as the school’s students opened their results and celebrated their achievements in the face of the coronavirus outbreak today.

Park Community School students Olivia Engall and Ella Jeffery, both 16, said they were relieved to receive their centre assessed grades after being ‘very worried’ watching the A-level saga play out last week.

Ella said: ‘When there was the algorithm, I was very worried – I’m glad it was changed.’

Olivia added: ‘This year has been completely rubbish. Not ideal at all. It is what it is – but I think people will get angrier if things don’t get better soon.’

Olivia Engall, left, and Ella Jeffrey
Picture Ian Hargreaves (200820-3) — Olivia Engall, left, and Ella Jeffrey Picture Ian Hargreaves (200820-3)

The school intends to publish its complete results after Btec grades are released next week, according to headteacher Chris Anders.

He said: ‘It’s been difficult for me as a headteacher so for students and their families its been even more difficult.

‘We’ve been doing our best to maintain contact with students, but its not the same as having them within school.